There’s no question about it —superhero moviesare currently the biggest film phenomenon. Whether it’sMarvelorDC, these action-packed films have audiences flocking to cinemas, ready to be swept up in the excitement and escapism. With many long-running franchises over the years, we’ve become accustomed to associating superhero actors with the characters they play — which makes it strange to see them in other roles.
RELATED:2022 Academy Award Nominations: The Biggest Surprises and Snubs
When you hear the namesRobert Downey Jr.orChristian Bale, one would forgive you for instantly thinking ofTony StarkorBruce Wayne. However, many of these stars have incredible acting abilities far beyond their heroic counterparts, and quite a few have been honored withOscarnominations for other, vastly different roles.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johanssonis best associated with playing badass heroine Natasha Romanoff, a.k.aBlack Widow, in theMarvel Cinematic Universe. Despite killing it as the brilliant and complicated assassin, she has constantly delivered exceptional performances in many films over the years, and recentlyThe Academytook notice.
In 2019 Johansson was nominated for not one, but two Oscars — the first for Best Actress as a struggling divorcee inMarriage Story, and the second for Best Supporting Actress as a loving mother inJojo Rabbit.
Christian Bale
Christian Balehas had quite the career, but there’s one role of his that stands out:Batman. Giving us one of the best portrayals of the character to date, Bale played the caped crusader inChristopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy.
His transformative performances have seenhim nominated for four Oscars over the years, with one win. In 2011 he won Best Supporting Actor forThe Fighter, and in 2014, 2016, and 2019 was nominated for his work inAmerican Hustle,The Big Short, andVice. Interestingly, all these movies are based on true stories and real people.
Brie Larson
Brie Larsonfirst entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2019 as Carol Danvers inCaptain Marvel. Her role in theMCU’sfirst female solo film introduced the character as a powerful and formidable force of nature.
Larson had previously starred in several films and TV shows and has been acting since she was a kid. In 2016, she was not only nominated but won the Oscar for Best Actress inRoom. Larson gives a stunning and raw performance in a story about the loving bond between mother and son.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrencehas starred in many blockbusters, but superhero fans best know her as mutant Raven/Mystiquein theX-Menfilms. When the actress wasn’t covered in blue prosthetics from head to toe, she was building up an impressive career from a very young age.
RELATED:From ‘Don’t Look Up’ to ‘Red Sparrow’: Best Jennifer Lawrence Performances, Ranked
Lawrence has been nominated for a total of four Oscars with one win, her first at the age of 20 in 2011 forWinter’s Bone. In 2013 she won Best Actress forSilver Linings Playbookand was nominated again in 2014 and 2016 forAmerican HustleandJoy.
Robert Downey Jr.
As the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over ten years,Robert Downey Jr.and Tony Stark/Iron Manoften consequently morph into one person. While you’re able to’t deny his onscreen charisma and star power, Downey Jr. is a multifaceted and talented actor in his own right.
He has been recognized by The Academy twice in his career for two very different roles. In 1993 he was nominated for Best Actor in the biopicChaplin, and in 2009 was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his controversial role inTropic Thunder.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackmanis a triple threat and man of many talents — acting, singing, and dancing. When he’s not belting out a tune or busting a move, his claws are out as Logan/Wolverinein theX-Menseries. His portrayal of the lethal mutant is a fan favorite, particularly his final performance in 2018’sLogan.
Despite a lengthy career, Jackman was only nominated for his first Oscar for Best Actor in 2013 forLes Misérables— where he once again got to display his musical talent. AfterRogers: The Musical(as seen inHawkeye) surely Wolverine is next?
Halle Berry
Halle Berryhas accomplished everything in her career from being a Bond Girl, directing, and starring in blockbusters and indies alike.X-Menfans will associate Berry with playing Ororo Munroe/Storm — the white-haired, weather-controlling mutant.
Yes, technically she also playedCatwoman, but that film is… well, a whole other conversation. In 2002, Berry won Best Lead Actress for her intense role inMonster’s Ball. She gave an emotional and memorable acceptance speech as the first woman of color to ever receive the award.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalohas been a beloved actor for many years, whether he’s smashing things as theHulkor just smashing roles in general. Ruffalo took over the role of Bruce Banner fromEdward NortoninThe Avengersand has played him ever since.
RELATED:From Mahershala Ali to Sam Rockwell: Recent Oscar-Winning Supporting Actor Performances, Ranked
Outside the MCU, he has an incredible body of work, particularly in supporting roles that have been recognized by The Academy. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2011, 2015 and 2016 forThe Kids Are Alright,FoxcatcherandSpotlight.
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Bosemanwas a brilliant, empathetic, and gifted artist who was taken from us far too soon. He gave us many memorable performances during his time and would have continued to do so. The actor left an incredible legacy behind with his portrayal of T’Challa inBlack Panther, a hero that particularly struck a chord with audiences.
In 2021, Boseman was nominated posthumously for Best Lead Actor for his performance inMa Rainey’s Black Bottom. He gave an electrifying turn as a talented and fiery trumpet player.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathawayis one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses and has played everyone from princesses, astronauts, witches, and comic book characters. BeforeZoë Kravitzsuited up as Selina KyleinThe Batman, Hathaway played Catwoman inThe Dark Knight Rises, bringing charm and intensity to the role.
She was nominated for an Oscar in 2009 for Best Lead Actress inRachel Getting Married, and in 2013 won Best Supporting Actress for her role inLes Misérables. She was only in the film for fifteen minutes but made enough of an impact to impress the Academy. Talk about talented.
KEEP READING:Oscar Worthy Performances In Comic Book Movies from ‘V for Vendetta’ to ‘Road to Perdition’
